drill_2703Milwaukee Tool is launching a new generation of M18™ Fuel™ Drill Drivers, Hammer Drills and Compact Impact tools in mid to late August, just weeks away. One might wonder what could be done to improve on these tools, but improved they are. I have used my M18™ Fuel™ Hammer Drill/Driver for deep bores in hard wood, fastening pressure-treated deck framing, setting bolts in concrete, putting holes in ¼” steel, digging up asphalt and many other lighter tasks. I’ve been highly pleased with the power and battery life and would have assumed that Milwaukee would have turned their attention elsewhere. After attending their New Product Symposium in June, I can see that they are committed to the development of new products and the constant improvement of existing ones and these tools benefit from that commitment.

When I had the chance to sample the new drivers, I nearly passed it up. I thought that I had enough experience with my own tools, but when I heard some of the comparative numbers, I paid attention. The two new ½” tools go from the current 725 in-lb. of torque to a whopping 1200, while top rpm climbs from 1850 to 2000. New, more powerful magnets combine with a smaller motor and rearrangement of internal circuitry to allow for  a reduction of nearly ½” in overall length for the Drill/Driver and around ⅜” for the Hammer Drill. This brings the power of M18™ Fuel™ tools to a package closer to the size and weight or the M18™ Compacts.

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The New M18™ Fuel™ ¼” Impact Driver offers greater speed, torque and IPM (Impacts Per Minute) than its predecessor, and adds a forth driving mode tailored to the requirements of self-tapping screws. As more people use impact drivers for most of their driving and drilling needs, the increased control over power and rpm brought by four driving modes is welcome. I say that as one who just today suffered a couple of mishaps while joining wood and steel, but never mind that, I’ll just admit that I would have benefited from a little sensitivity from the tool if not from myself. It’s often a compliment to say of a person or a tool that he/she/it “doesn’t know when to quit”, but Milwaukee’s 4-Mode Drive Control™ does, and that’s a good thing!

 

All of the new M18™ Fuel™ tools will be shipping with the new REDLITHIUM™ XC 5.0 Battery Packs. Also look for the M18™ Fuel™ Impact Wrenches in ⅜” and ½”, due to launch in September!